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The charity making life better by water

Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks, Leicestershire

Please be aware that due to the ongoing wet weather, our overflow field car parks are unlikely to be able to open at the moment as the ground is completely saturated. Our long and short stay car parks will be open as usual but could be very busy at peak times making spaces limited.

Foxton Locks is a Grade II listed site, and home to the longest, steepest staircase flight of locks in Britain. These locks have been an essential part of travel, trade and leisure for over 200 years.

Things to do

Foxton Locks sits in 34 acres of natural green spaces which make is great for nature spotting. Look out for herons, swans, swallows and kingfishers. Also located at the site are two pubs, two cafés, a museum and the chance to hire a day boat.

Each year over 400,000 visitors experience the rich heritage of the site, which also includes the remains of the unique Inclined Boat Lift which is listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

There is plenty to keep you busy at Foxton:

  • Visit the historic Canal Museum located in the Boilerhouse run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust
  • Take a boat trips on Vagabond II managed by Foxton Boats LTD (summer only)
  • Hire a day boat and travel a little further -managed by Foxton Boats LTD
  • Meet the team in the welcome station and learn about lock keeping and the site's unique history
  • Guided walks, themed activities and events
  • Summer events programme including paddle boarding and canoeing
  • Pre-loved bookshop in the Top Lock Cottage for your favourite read
  • Bring a picnic or recharge at one of the places to eat on site: Top Lock Cottage café – serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and locally produced ice cream, and Foxton Locks Inn, Bridge 61.

Planning your visit

All you need to know about visiting Foxton Locks

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Travelers Choice 2023
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